What solar costs in Canada

Typical installed prices per watt in Canada and Ontario, how to read a solar quote, what drives the price, and which incentives no longer exist.

5 min read · Updated 2026-10-29

Solar is priced mostly by the size of the system. Comparing quotes on a per-watt basis is the simplest way to tell whether a price is reasonable. Here is what to expect and how to read a quote.

Price per watt

Installers price systems in dollars per watt of panel capacity. A 7 kW system is 7,000 watts. At $3.00 per watt, it would cost about $21,000 before any rebates.

According to Green Building Canada's 2026 figures, typical installed prices are roughly:

Area	Approximate installed price
Canada average	About $2.40 to $3.50 per watt
Ontario	About $2.42 to $3.05 per watt

These are broad ranges, not quotes. Your price could fall outside them depending on your roof and equipment.

What that means for common sizes

System size	At $2.50 per watt	At $3.00 per watt
5 kW	$12,500	$15,000
7 kW	$17,500	$21,000
10 kW	$25,000	$30,000

What drives the price

System size. Larger systems usually cost less per watt, since fixed costs like permits and design are spread over more panels.
Roof complexity. Steep, multi-faced or tile roofs take more labour.
Equipment. Microinverters, optimizers and premium panels cost more than a basic string system.
Electrical upgrades. An older or full electrical panel may need upgrading.
Batteries. A battery adds significantly to the total. See batteries explained.
Location. Travel distance and local labour costs vary.

How to read a quote

A good quote should clearly list:

System size in kW, panel model, wattage and number of panels.
Inverter type and model.
Estimated annual production in kWh, and how it was calculated.
Total price, and price per watt.
Any rebate assumed, with the price before and after it.
Permits, inspection and utility connection, and who handles each.
Warranties: panel, inverter and workmanship.
Payment schedule.

Divide the total price by the system size in watts to get the per-watt price. If a quote shows only a monthly payment, ask for the full cash price.

Ways to pay

Cash

Paying upfront gives the lowest total cost and the fastest payback. It also keeps ownership simple.

Loans

A loan spreads the cost over time. The interest adds to the total cost, so the interest rate matters a lot. Compare the total amount repaid, not just the monthly payment.

Municipal property-tax financing

Some municipalities offer low-interest loans repaid through your property tax bill. Toronto's Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) is one example. Terms and availability change, so check directly with your municipality. Our buying, leasing or financing guide compares the options.

Programs that have closed

Two federal programs that many older articles still mention are no longer available:

The Canada Greener Homes Grant closed in 2024.
The Canada Greener Homes Loan closed on October 1, 2025.

Don't budget on either. If a salesperson mentions them, ask what they mean. Current programs are listed on our incentives page, and Ontario homeowners should read about the HRSP rebate and net metering.

When the cost doesn't add up

Solar does not pay off for every home. If your roof is heavily shaded, your electricity use is low, or your quote is well above typical ranges, the payback may stretch past what makes sense. A good estimate should show you that honestly. You can see typical cost breakdowns on our costs page.